Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs

MA in Psychology vs. MS in Psychology | What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology? | Master of Psychology Degree Concentrations | Earning an Online Master’s in Psychology | Doctorate in Psychology | FAQ | |

MA in Psychology vs. MS in Psychology

Graduate-level psychology programs offer two, different degree tracks: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. While there is some overlap in coursework, there are key differences between the two degrees. Prospective students will need to consider their academic interests and desired career paths to choose the appropriate program.

The MA degree tends to emphasize liberal arts, humanitarian studies and counseling. This degree benefits students who wish to work in client care, as it focuses on more direct psychological theory, assessment and intervention.

The MS degree often indicates a stronger focus on behavioral, research and statistical science. Students pursuing careers in research or academic writing may benefit from this degree. Coursework may focus on advanced statistics and research methodology.

Since the academic requirements for MS and MA degrees are often very similar, we may instead distinguish between terminal standalone and doctoral-preparatory Master of Psychology degrees.

• Terminal master’s degrees in psychology prepare graduates to enter or advance in a specific subfield, such as industrial/organizational psychology or developmental psychology. Although terminal degree programs do not result in licensure, graduates may work in a variety of applied psychology settings including community mental health centers or treatment facilities.
• Doctoral preparatory master’s degrees in psychology generally follow the scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. Research mentorship opportunities in these degree programs develop students’ independent research skills in preparation for a doctoral program. These degree programs may also require the completion of a thesis for graduation.

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology?

The American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that a master’s degree in psychology may open the door to numerous opportunities for students entering the workforce, some of which we outlined in our guide: What Can You Do with a Master’s in Psychology?

Many states permit professionals with master’s-level degrees to work in clinical, counseling and school psychology as therapists, counselors and other mental health clinicians. However, many people choose to use their psychology degrees in other contexts, working as human resource managers, advertising agents or market researchers for businesses. Furthermore, some professionals work in local, state or federal government positions as parole officers, social services managers and employment counselors. Explore our guide to see if a master’s in psychology is right for you.

Ways to Improve Your Job Prospects

A master’s degree in psychology provides foundational knowledge for a number of careers in the public and private sectors. Although licensed independent practice as a “psychologist” typically requires a doctoral degree and postdoctoral training, there are also opportunities for individuals with master’s-level training in psychology.

Of the states that grant licenses to individuals with a master’s degree, some allow for autonomous practice while others require supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. In either case, a master’s-level license in psychology can be helpful in pursuing opportunities in the field. Some of the licenses that are available with a master’s of psychology include:

• Psychological Associate
• Psychological Assistants
• Psychological Practitioner
• Psychological Examiner
• Psychological Technician
• School Psychologist
• Licensed Master’s-Level Psychologist

There are also jobs in the public and private sectors that fall under the umbrella of psychology or involve some of the principles of psychology but don’t require licensure. For example, you may be able to work as a survey researcher, market research analyst, human resources manager, behavioral consultant or researcher. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

Receive Additional Training Before Doctoral Studies

You don’t always need a master’s degree to be admitted into a doctoral psychology program, but depending on the point you’re at in your career, you may consider it.

The APA and many state licensing boards state that doctoral education and training is necessary to practice as a psychologist. In other words, a doctorate in psychology is the minimum educational requirement for anyone looking to conduct independent research or practice as a licensed psychologist.

If you’re thinking about this path but aren’t ready to commit to a doctoral program, an online Master of Psychology program allows you to delve into graduate-level studies, allowing you to make a decision regarding a postgraduate degree at a later time.

Master of Psychology Degree Concentrations

When you enroll in an online Master of Psychology degree program, you may be able to choose a specialization. The APA recognizes 17 specialties of professional psychology. Popular master’s-level psychology concentrations include:

• Clinical psychology is a large subfield that encompasses a range of techniques and theoretical approaches that aid in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and learning disabilities.

Interested in a career in psychology? Check out our guide to online master’s degrees in clinical psychology for more information.

• Neuropsychology is the branch of psychology concerned with how a person’s cognition and behaviors are influenced by the brain and central nervous system. This specialty area is also concerned with how brain injuries or illnesses affect cognitive functions and development.
• Industrial-organizational (IO) psychology is characterized by the study of human behavior in organizations and places of work. IO psychologists focus on the health and well-being of employees, as well as how to improve performance, motivation and job satisfaction.
• Forensics psychology is the application of clinical psychology techniques and methods in the judicial and legal systems. Forensic psychologists may provide law enforcement agencies with criminal profiles or testify in court as expert witnesses.

Learn more about a career as a behavior analyst and check out our guides to online master’s degrees in behavioral psychology and online master’s in applied behavior analysis.

Earning an Online Master’s in Psychology

Several universities offer master’s in psychology degree programs. Applicants should conduct thorough research to find the program that best suits their needs.

The flexibility and convenience of online learning allows individuals to pursue a degree while working or caring for their families.

Online program admission requirements vary depending on the institution. Typically, more competitive schools require a minimum grade point average and the submission of GRE scores.

The length of an online program depends on the school and its credit requirements. For a clinical psychology master’s degree, students can expect to complete the program within one to three years, while a master’s degree in behavioral psychology may take two to three years.

The master’s in psychology online curriculum typically includes coursework in relevant topics and principles such as social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, personality and cognitive psychology. Students may also be required to complete some elective courses.

Application Requirements

Each institution has unique application requirements for enrollment. However, prospective students should expect to provide the following:

Résumé: This résumé should highlight paid employment, internships, or volunteering positions in psychology or psychology-related fields.

Personal essay or statement: Many schools want to assess a potential candidate’s critical thinking and writing skills. This part of the application allows you to showcase your passion for and dedication to psychology.

Letters of recommendation: Schools may request two to three letters of recommendation from past or current employers or professors who can vouch for your work ethic and character.

Learning Outcomes

The learning objectives of graduate programs differ depending on the type of degree and the institution that offers it. Certain degree programs prepare graduates for licensure and specialized roles. In general, psychology coursework equips students with foundational knowledge relevant to various careers in the field.

As part of their program, students may learn:

• Laws and ethics of becoming a clinical practitioner
• Evidence-based psychotherapy techniques
• Education about mental disorders and emotional disorders
• Cross-cultural training about diverse populations
• Advanced understanding of lifespan human development
• Research assessment, interpretation and application

Most programs require the completion of a thesis or equivalent project (such as a comprehensive exam or writing assignment) to demonstrate the successful integration of such learning outcomes.

Student Support for Online Students

Online students may require unique accommodations to feel supported and succeed in their programs. In traditional programs, students typically receive services on campus. However, student support for online students may entail a hybrid of electronic communication that includes phone calls, email, video conferencing, text messaging and live chats.

Online support varies depending on the institution, but the options may include:

• Admission and financial aid advising
• Academic tutoring and advising
• Ongoing technical support
• Library services
• Networking programs and communities
• Personal support services (i.e. health and counseling services)
• Military support for both service and family members
• Career, internship or clinical placement services
• Post-graduate alumni support

Live Class Discussions

Many programs require that students attend synchronous or live class discussions. During synchronous classes, students meet in a virtual classroom and speak with their professors. If a student cannot make the scheduled time, they may need to notify the professor in advance. These sessions incorporate video or audio chat features.

Asynchronous coursework, on the other hand, is without time restraints. It usually involves uploading homework onto a learning management system, responding to message boards and reviewing course readings. While there are deadlines for certain assignments, students can work at their own pace.

Small Class Size

Small class sizes offer a number of benefits including heightened individual attention, improved participation and enhanced communication between the instructor and students.

Doctorate in Psychology

The doctorate in psychology is the highest, academic degree psychology students can earn. In addition to clinical expertise, the doctorate program primarily focuses on preparing students to teach in higher education, conduct psychological research and publish academic writing.

For specific careers, such as licensed psychologists, the doctorate is a requirement. Other jobs in psychology, however, require ‘terminal degrees,’ which can be obtained through a master’s program.

Prospective doctoral students must assess both their long-term career goals and financial status when considering their academic plans. These programs require time, dedication and financial commitment.

PhD vs. PsyD Degree

The PhD and PsyD are both doctorate-level degrees. Both degree programs provide an advanced psychology curriculum and prepare students to become licensed psychologists.

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) has an intensive focus on statistical analysis and research methods. Students who wish to interpret or conduct their own research or pursue a teaching career in higher education often pursue this track. According to a 2015 APA publication (PDF, 780 KB), PhD programs tend to take five to seven years to complete, with students devoting the latter portion of this time to completing their dissertations.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) also provides an advanced concentration on clinical knowledge and practical application. However, instead of placing an emphasis on research or statistics, the program prepares students to work with patients or clients directly. The PsyD program typically takes four to six years to complete. Students often have the option to complete a dissertation or an equivalent clinical project.

Psychology Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs allow students to receive both a doctorate and a master’s degree within the same program. To achieve this, the institution applies some course credits toward the fulfillment of both degrees, essentially "double-counting" them.

As a result, coursework may be intensive but the overall process takes less time than if the student were to complete each degree separately. However, before applying, it is essential for applicants to understand the commitment of enrolling in such a program.

Related Online Mental Health Degrees

Online Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy
Online Master’s in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Online Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
Online Master's in School Psychology
Bachelor's in Psychology